State control

It is very likely that governments will adopt a political declaration at the close of the BPfA review (Feb 28-Mar 11). The sign-on letter below calls for governments to support full reaffirmation and implementation of the BPfA.

Saudi Arabia has held its first elections of any kind for 40 years. Women had expected to have the vote: six even put their names forward as candidates. But, in one of the world's most repressive societies, they were banned from the poll.